A construction worker suffered serious facial injuries while working in a four-story building on the Upper West Side. The construction accident occurred at West 86th Street and West End Avenue in New York City. Officials say the worker on the second floor was struck in the face by a falling piece of construction material dropped by a co-worker. His facial injuries are considered serious. The city’s Buildings Department has issued a violation for “failure to safeguard” as well as a partial stop-work order for scaffold usage.
Falling objects present one of the most dangerous hazards on construction sites. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 708 people were killed on the job due to contact with objects and equipment. The largest proportion of fatal injuries in this category (34 percent) involved falling objects or equipment.
There are many ways in which workers, supervisors, and contractors can prevent falling object injuries. No piece of equipment or building material should be set down on a scaffold, platform, roof, or ladder without first being properly secured it in place. Proper training and supervision can prevent most falling object accidents. Ensuring that every worker and visitor at the construction site has protective gear such as hardhats can prevent injuries as well.
Workers injured in New York construction accidents can pursue compensation for their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages through workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured on he job, report the incident to your supervisor right away. Seek prompt medical attention and contact an experienced NY workers’ compensation attorney who will help protect your legal rights every step of the way.
Contact Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP at (212) 986- 7353.